The Inaugural J/24 Corinthian National Championship East
The inaugural J/24 Corinthian National Championship East was a superb event for J/24 competitors nationwide. Rochester Yacht Club hosted the ultimate 4-day event, with challenging conditions and highly competitive racing across a fully amateur fleet. The Sea Bags Women's Sailing Team had consistent performance and thrived in the heavy-air conditions on Saturday especially, finishing in the top 10 and as the highest performing women’s boat.
The event kicked off on Thursday with a practice race supported by on water coaching from expert sailor Mike Ingham. The Sea Bags team enjoyed the opportunity to warm up on Lake Ontario, having not sailed on the lake since the 2019 J/24 National Championship (at which they placed 13th out of 46 boats). The team spent time training with Mike earlier this year over the winter season, working hard to define team and individual goals and make plans to accomplish them. Since working more closely with Mike, the team has made many improvements and received praise from both our competitors and peers post-race.
Co-Captain Emily Carville said “A big part of the team's success is due to us redefining each role on the boat and holding each other accountable. Role clarity has allowed us to make huge strides when it comes to our on the water experiences, training, and we are supporting each other better than ever before”.
© Betsy Lawless
Race Report
Racing began on Friday and brought a range of shifty conditions. Shifts were more prevalent as the wind decreased over the course of the day. The team launched at the start of the first race and rounded the top mark in first, a great start to the event. Boat speed was strong, boat handling execution was on-point, and the team was ready to give it their all. The final race of the day was tricky as the wind decreased to the point that conditions were nearly un-sailable. The team stayed focused and fought until the end to secure a top 10 finish and salvage the day.
Day two brought exciting conditions that tested teamwork and agility, not to mention fitness and endurance. The forecast showed the breeze increasing throughout the day, so the team knew they had the opportunity to shine, as windy conditions are what they have come to love! Alternating between using the blade and the genoa (including two downwind headsail changes mid-race) the team’s scores improved, ending with a 5-4 in the last two of four total races to wrap up an exhilarating day on the water. Skipper Erica Beck Spencer, coming off the water, commented, “Today was perhaps the best day of sailing we’ve ever had.”
© Betsy Lawless
When the team arrived at the club on Sunday morning, the wind forecast was set to increase throughout the day with building seas. The problem facing the race committee and competitors was that it was already very windy and the resulting sea state presented safety concerns. When the sea state is 9-12 feet, and winds are over 35 with gusts to 40+, it is not possible for anyone to receive help on the water if necessary (unless by the U.S. Coast Guard). The RC (Race Control) took a poll on shore and discussed the issues facing the fleet, and the fleet decided it best to stay safely ashore, not taking the risk of breaking equipment or jeopardizing sailor safety to get in one final race for the event. The RC posted AP over A above a Buffalo Bills flag, as the NFL team was playing in Europe Sunday morning, broadcast on the large screen in the Rochester Yacht Club clubhouse.
The awards ceremony took place following the competitor’s briefing and decision not to race, and several competitors received recognition for their performance. The Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team came in 7th overall in the fleet of 20 boats, just three points off 5th place, and was awarded the prize for Top Female boat.
© Betsy Lawless
Race Debrief
The gains made leading up to this event and during the races show a win-win for all. Reviewing the scores, it is evident how consistent the team was throughout this event–and had there not been a throw out (when each team’s lowest score is dropped after a set number of races have been sailed in an event), the team would have placed third, a major accomplishment. The Sea Bags Women’s Sailing Team is proud of what they've done together at this event, as well as all season, given continued progress.
A huge thanks goes out to all RC volunteers, Rochester Yacht Club staff, on the water support, and Lee Ann Zaretsky and Travis Odenbach for running an excellent, first-of-its-kind event for the J/24 class targeted specifically to Corinthian sailors, also known as amateur or non-professional competitors, as verified by World Sailing. A special thanks to the huge turnout of club members and competitors that graciously donated used sails in support of the Sea Bags mission to keep sails out of the landfill in support of driving sustainability in the industry. The Sea Bags team truly enjoyed the inaugural Corinthian Nationals and look forward to the next chance to sail at RYC.
You can directly support us with the purchase of any product from the Sea Bags Regatta Stripe Race Collection. 20% of the product price funds our training and travel expenses so we can continue competing in meaningful events like J/24 Corinthian.